$1,275.00
In stock
East Asia, Japan, Meiji period, ca. 19th century CE. A wonderful ikebana hanakago or flower basket woven from strips of sooted bamboo, known as susutake, in the form of a double gourd and placed on a wisteria stand. Boasting rich hues of mocha and caramel, the vessel features 2 bulbous chambers, the larger and lower of which displays an opening that allows for a cylindrical insert to hold water and flowers. Several sections of gnarled wisteria root wood, secured to the basket with bamboo ties, form a stand while branching up and around the rear of the double gourd. Three main types of plaiting methods were used to produce this hand-split bamboo object: irregular plaiting (“midare ami”) in the larger section containing the opening; mat plaiting (“gozame ami”) in the constricted neck of the double gourd form; and pine-needle plaiting (“matsuba ami”) in the most petite section. Size: 22.75″ L x 14″ W x 24″ H (57.8 cm x 35.6 cm x 61 cm)
Bamboo baskets of this kind were used to display seasonal floral arrangements, often in connection with Japanese tea ceremonies. They would have been placed within an alcove space beneath a painting or calligraphy scroll that was appropriate for the season.
Condition: A few broken strands near top and stand, as well as some nicks and abrasions to basket and stand, but otherwise, mostly intact and excellent with nice preservation of form and rich patina throughout.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010; ex-M. Kobayashi collection, Hawaii, USA
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